ODNR official: Ohio well on its way to becoming energy self-sufficient

YOUNGSTOWN — Ohio is well on its way to energy self-sufficiency, according to James Zehringer, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, which regulates oil and gas drilling in the state.

Zehringer, who was here to attend a Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber luncheon today at Mill Creek Park’s Fellows Riverside Gardens, said he expects oil and gas production to continue to increase this year in Ohio.

Ohio’s oil production doubled from 10.9 million barrels in 2014 to 21.9 million barrels last year.

Natural-gas production rose 110.6 percent from 452 billion cubic feet in 2014 to 953 billion cubic feet last year.

Even though the number of rigs drilling in Ohio has dropped in recent years from 50 to 16, Zehringer said the wells now in service are highly productive.

Five years ago, Ohio produced 9 percent of the oil and gas it used, he noted.

“Last year, 2015, we produced 95 percent,” he added.

Industry experts predict Ohio’s oil and gas production will exceed its use this year, he said.

For the complete story, read Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com